Point of order: abstinence absolutely works; it is functionally 100% effective at preventing pregnancies and STDs. Abstinence is the most effective option.
What does not work – i.e., what you’re thinking of – is abstinence-only education. Teaching why, how, and how much abstinence works is great; people should be mindful of if they should have sex and with whom. Teaching it as the only means to stay safe creates a black-and-white, all-or-nothing situation where anyone who does have sex (which is most) now has no idea how to protect themselves and is at a much higher risk.
Point of order: abstinence absolutely works; it is functionally 100% effective at preventing pregnancies and STDs. Abstinence is the most effective option.
What does not work – i.e., what you’re thinking of – is abstinence-only education. Teaching why, how, and how much abstinence works is great; people should be mindful of if they should have sex and with whom. Teaching it as the only means to stay safe creates a black-and-white, all-or-nothing situation where anyone who does have sex (which is most) now has no idea how to protect themselves and is at a much higher risk.